Medication Review: Paxil CR

Paxil CR (Paroxetine) is a drug-classified as an SSRI (serotonin reuptake inhibitor)-that treats disorders such as panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, depression, premenstrual dysphoric syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Paxil CR helps to restore serotonin levels to normal levels, so that patients can function without the constant companion that they have lived with before.

Prior to taking Paxil CR, be sure to read all the literature that comes with it. You will receive a pamphlet or information guide from your pharmacist when your prescription is dispensed to you. Unless otherwise directed, you should take Paxil CR with food once a day. Your doctor may direct you to take it in the morning or in the evening. When I took Paxil CR I took it in the evening because it made me sleepy. Paxil CR is time released, so it is important to know that you cannot crush this medication.

I had no bad side effects from Paxil CR. I think the worst side effects I had was drowsiness and a dry mouth and yawning; however some people do report more bothersome symptoms. My daughter was on Paxil CR for a while and she had to be taken off due to the side effects. They made her tremble and shake, she was nauseated, and complained of a headache all of the time. She had to be weaned off it though because the withdrawal from Paxil CR is worse than the side effects. Some people report shock-like pain in their arms and legs.

If you are going to have a bad reaction to Paxil CR you will most likely have it within the first two weeks of taking it. It takes about two weeks for the medication to really start taking effect in the body. If at that time you feel you can't handle the drug, you can ask your physician for something else. Most all the people I have talked to have had good results from Paxil CR. One of my friends was also on it, but it caused him to have seizures. His doctor discontinued this medication and put him on something he could tolerate.